Denman won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2008

Denman will miss Saturday's Argento Chase at Cheltenham and will warm up for the Cheltenham Gold Cup in the Aon Chase at Newbury on 13 February.

The Paul Nicholls-trained 10-year-old, who is currently second favourite for the Festival showpiece, was one of 11 entries for Saturday's race

However, owners Paul Barber and Harry Findlay have instead decided to run the 2008 Gold Cup winner at Newbury.

"That is absolutely fine by me," Nicholls told the Racing Post.

"Although the ground has dried out a bit at Cheltenham, there was some rain forecast and Paul was a bit nervous that Denman might end up having a hardish race.

"He is keener to wait for Newbury, so that's where we will go."

The Aon Chase had been Nicholls's initial plan for Denman after he stormed to victory under top weight in the Hennessy Gold Cup in Newbury in November.

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However, the recent spell of bad weather led him to also consider the Argento Chase as well as the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on 7 February.

Denman is set to renew his rivalry with stablemate Kauto Star in chasing's blue riband event on 19 March.

Kauto Star became the first horse to regain the Cheltenham Gold Cup last year and Denman won the event in 2008 before finishing second 12 months later, despite a heart condition.

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